The objects are brought out of Achan’s tent and placed in the presence of the LORD, that is, in front of the Covenant Box (see comment on verse 14).In verse 23 laid them down translates the Hebrew verb yatsaq, which means “pour out”; Syriac and Septuagint seem to suggest the Hebrew verb yatsag “place, put.” These are all condemned to destruction and so are presented to the Lord.

It is difficult to determine with precision the exact numbers of actions narrated in this verse. But the following reconstruction seems possible. The men bring the items dedicated for destruction immediately back to Joshua who is standing in the presence of the Covenant Box. By this action both Joshua and all the people of Israel who are gathered there see the items. Then, without change of location, the men lay the goods down beside where Joshua is standing. It is best in translation not to imply that the goods were carried in sequence to Joshua, the people, and then finally taken and placed in the presence of the Covenant Box.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .